Worldway Comprehensive Report: Throughout 2014, China invested $2.8 billion in Portugal, significantly exceeding the $123 million level of 2013. As of now, the largest single investment by China in Portugal remains the acquisition of a 21.35% stake in the Portuguese Power Company by the Three Gorges Group at the end of 2011, which has now begun to yield returns. Major companies such as Fosun have also made substantial investments in Portugal, contributing to a total investment amount of €1.23 billion from the Portuguese Golden Residence Permit immigration policy in 2014. This has made Portugal increasingly favored by Chinese investors.
【2014 Portugal Golden Residence Data】
The "Golden Residence" program launched in September 2012 grants residence rights in Portugal to foreigners who meet one of the following conditions, as well as the right to travel freely in 26 Schengen countries such as Sweden, Germany, and Liechtenstein: transferring funds valued at €1 million (including purchasing shares in Portuguese companies), creating 10 jobs in Portugal, or purchasing real estate valued at no less than €500,000. According to data released by the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service in early January 2015, 81% of the 2,022 Golden Visas issued from October 2012 to the end of December 2014 were obtained by Chinese individuals, primarily through real estate investment.
In recent years, wealthy Chinese individuals have been utilizing the "Golden Residence" policy introduced by the Portuguese government to invest and immigrate to the country. At the same time, investments from Chinese enterprises in Portugal have rapidly increased. The acquisition of the Portuguese Espírito Santo Investment Bank by Haitong in December 2014 is the latest example. The chairman of the company, Wang Kaiguo, stated that after the acquisition, the two companies can share business channels, financing resources, and customer relationships, achieving more effective cross-selling and strategic value.
Meanwhile, the private conglomerate Fosun International Group has been seeking investment opportunities in other sectors and European countries through the acquisition of Portuguese insurance businesses. China is extending its reach into the African market through Europe. Portuguese-speaking countries, such as Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique, are more open to Chinese enterprises than other countries. Worldway immigration experts predict that in 2015, more Chinese companies and individuals will choose Portugal as their investment destination.
